I got a deal on a 93 civic I couldn't pass up, however it is rapidly becoming a nightmare. To start the car idles at 2000rpm (and that is not just at startup), and will sometimes bounce low enough to almost stall and then shoot back up. Then there is the check engine light that pops on after driving about 5 or 10 minutes, followed by the flickering oil light which progressivly stays on longer and longer which is def. not just a sensor because when it flashes on you can hear a quite chatter in the motor. HELP:

As the proud owner of a 1993 Civic DX, here's what I would do, if I were in your shoes. First, I would check for codes. Second, I would replace the ICM (igniter), coil, main relay, and spark plugs (NGK only). This is to insure new-car reliability. Replacing the ICM may solve your erratic rpm problem. Read the sticky I prepared on this issue. Third, change the oil and filter, preferably with 5W-30 synthetic. Fourth, completely change the brake fluid. Fifth, change the coolant, with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Sixth, change the transmission fluid. Some additional ideas are provided in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563.html#post219991

A well-maintained Civic will go 350,000 miles. In fact, they tend to outlast Accords, since they are not driven as hard. If you are smart about this, you may have secured cheap transportation for years to come. Take your time and learn how to diagnose and maintain your Civic properly. A little bit of money and a lot of smarts is all you need.